More than £17,000 has been raised by a cricket-themed charity day in aid of children’s cancer charities which has exceeded organisers’ expectations.

Organisers say they have been bowled over by the fantastic response and have hit the original fundraising target of £10,000 for six.

The inaugural ‘Howzat Co’ day was held at Caernarfon Rugby Club.

The money will now be donated to Ward Dewi at Ysbyty Gwynedd, the Clic Sargent charity and Alder Hey Children’s Hospital.

Iwan Trefor Jones, Gafael Llaw chairman and one of the event organisers, said: “We are absolutely delighted our first ever event has far exceeded the target we had set ourselves and attracted over a thousand people who came along on the day. “Ten local companies battled it out to win the afternoon cricket competition, which was won by the Cofi Roc team.” They were presented with their trophy by Gwynedd Council chairman, Cllr Huw Edwards.

The evening auction which included a Sky Cycling shirt, signed by this year’s Tour de France winner Chris Froome, and a Lions shirt signed by Sam Warburton.

Looking to the future, Iwan added: “Cancer unfortunately touches far too many lives and the success of this first event has made us more determined than ever to continue and to intensify our efforts to support children and young people from the area who are suffering from cancer.

“Over the coming three years we plan to organise a series of events.

To contribute to the Gafael Llaw fund, visit Facebook and search for Gafael Llaw or follow Twitter @Gafael_Llaw.